Ingredients
Cookies
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)
- 1 ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226g), softened
- 1 ¾ cup granulated sugar (291g), plus ~½ cup for rolling
- 3 tablespoon orange zest (from fresh oranges)
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon orange extract
- Orange gel food coloring (optional, for color enhancement)
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your dough is formed.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground cloves (if using). Set this mixture aside for later.
- Infuse sugar with orange zest: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar with the orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release the fragrant oils, enhancing the cookie’s flavor.
- Cream butter and sugar zest mixture: Add softened unsalted butter to the sugar and orange zest. Beat on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes, occasionally scraping down the bowl, until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture.
- Add eggs and extracts: Incorporate the whole egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and orange extract into the butter mixture. Continue mixing just until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Combine with dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until no dry flour streaks remain, being careful not to overmix to maintain cookie chewiness.
- Scoop and roll dough: Pour about ½ cup of granulated sugar into a small bowl. Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, portion the cookie dough into balls, then roll each ball in the sugar to coat thoroughly.
- Arrange cookies on baking sheet: Place the sugared dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart, pressing down lightly on each to slightly flatten.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes. Remove the cookies just before the centers appear fully baked to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
- Cool cookies: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies; remove them from the oven when the centers are still slightly soft to keep them chewy.
- Using fresh orange zest enhances the flavor significantly compared to dried zest.
- Ground cloves add a subtle warmth and spice but can be omitted if desired.
- Orange gel food coloring is optional and only needed if you want your cookies to have a vibrant orange tint.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
